Coping Strategies in Low Back Pain: Effects of Severity of Pain, Situation, Gender and Duration of Pain

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Abstract
Research concerning specific coping strategies used by low back pain patients has so far primarily focused upon the relationships between coping strategies and adjustment to pain and upon comparing different groups of pain patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether pain intensity, situational factors, gender or duration of time since onset of pain did influence the reported use of specific coping strategies. Specific behavioral and cognitive pain coping strategies were assessed by means of a 21-item self-report questionnaire in a sample of 86 patients with chronic or recurrent low back pain. The questionnaire was designed to take into account pain severity (mild/severe pain) and the situation of the patient (at work/at home). The results indicate a strong main effect of pain severity on all subscales except one. Effect of sex and/or situation and duration of pain history were slight. The average preference order for specific coping strategies changed markedly due to severity of pain. Most frequently reported coping strategies in mild pain were: increasing activity level; ignoring pain sensations, coping self-statements and diverting attention. In severe pain, the preference order was: increasing pain behaviors, coping self-statements, catastrophizing and hoping/praying.